Alta Vista, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
194
13.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,500/yr
-17.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
106
7.1% year-over-year change

Alta Vista population

How many people live in Alta Vista

Alta Vista is home to 194 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.7% of Alta Vista locals are male, and 44.3% are female.

Total population
194
13.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.7%
108
Female
44.3%
86
Value Percent YoY change
Male 108 55.7% 27.1%
Female 86 44.3% 0.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Alta Vista is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.4% are children under 15, then 3.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36.1% of the population, while another 29.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.4%
15 to 24
3.1%
25 to 44
36.1%
45 to 64
29.9%
Over 65
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 28 14.4% 16.7%
15 to 24 6 3.1% -25.0%
25 to 44 70 36.1% 79.5%
45 to 64 58 29.9% -17.1%
Over 65 32 16.5% 6.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 14.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 14.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 166 85.6% -1.2%
Non-citizens 28 14.4% 1,300.0%
Racial breakdown
White
85.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 166 85.6%
Two or more races 28 14.4%

Households in Alta Vista

A peek inside Alta Vista households

Alta Vista has 100 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51% are families, while the remaining 49% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
100
6.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
49
Family households
51
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 49 49% 25.6%
Family households 51 51% -7.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Alta Vista

The housing landscape of Alta Vista

Alta Vista's housing consists of 106 units, with 72.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
106
7.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 77 72.6%
1 unit, attached 4 3.8%
2 units 4 3.8%
3 or 4 units 21 19.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alta Vista

In Alta Vista, the median construction year is 1940. About 50% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 53 50% -8.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6 5.7% 20.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5 4.7% 25.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5 4.7% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 15 14.2% 7.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1 0.9% -66.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6 5.7% -25.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 12 11.3% N/A
Built between 2010 and 2019 3 2.8% 50.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Alta Vista occupancy rates

Out of the 100 occupied housing units in Alta Vista, 69% are owner-occupied, while 31% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
100
6.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
31
Owner occupied
69
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 31 31% 63.2%
Owner occupied 69 69% -8.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Alta Vista housing costs

Housing costs in Alta Vista come to a median of $675 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $640.

Median housing costs per month
$675/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Alta Vista
$640/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Alta Vista

Alta Vista education at a glance

About 42.3% of the population in Alta Vista went to high school, while 23.9% pursued college studies. Another 27.6% earned an associate degree and 3.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3 1.8% 0.0%
High school diploma 69 42.3% 32.7%
College diploma 39 23.9% -22.0%
Associate degree 45 27.6% 45.2%
Bachelor's degree 5 3.1% -16.7%
Graduate degree 2 1.2% 0.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Alta Vista

How much people earn in Alta Vista

The average annual household income in Alta Vista was $60,934 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,500, reflecting a -17.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alta Vista
$60,934/year
-5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alta Vista
$44,500/year
-17.2% year-over-year change

Alta Vista income by age

In Alta Vista, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,602. Overall, 87.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $44,602 -5.5%
Over 65 $25,417 N/A
Above poverty level
169
Below poverty level
25
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 169 87.1% 3.7%
Below poverty level 25 12.9% 212.5%

Average renter income in Alta Vista

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Alta Vista, their median household income was $55,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 14%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,000
Rent-to-income ratio
14%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Alta Vista

Workforce and job types in Alta Vista

The job market in Alta Vista is powered by 131 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.6% run their own businesses, 68.7% are employed by private companies, and 5.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
131
15.9% year-over-year change
White collar
74
Blue collar
57
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 74 56.5% 19.4%
Blue collar 57 43.5% 11.8%
Employer type
Self employees
17.6%
Private companies
68.7%
Governmental workers
5.3%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 23 17.6% 155.6%
Private companies 90 68.7% 15.4%
Governmental workers 7 5.3% -56.2%
Not for profit companies 11 8.4% 10.0%
Unemployment rate
0.8%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Alta Vista stands at 0.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Alta Vista

How people get around in Alta Vista

Commuting methods vary: 67.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 9.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 88 67.2% 2.3%
Walk 13 9.9% 30.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Alta Vista by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50603 555 231 $74,271 $83,568

Explore more communities

FAQs about Alta Vista demographics 

What is the total population of Alta Vista?

Alta Vista has a total population of 194 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +13.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alta Vista?

The gender ratio in Alta Vista is as follows:
  • 55.7% males (108 residents)
  • 44.3% females (86 residents)

What is the median age in Alta Vista?

The median age in Alta Vista is 41.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alta Vista?

The age distribution in Alta Vista is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.4% (28 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 3.1% (6 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36.1% (70 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.9% (58 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.5% (32 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alta Vista?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alta Vista is as follows:
  • White: 85.6% (166 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.4% (28 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Alta Vista are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.6% of the population in Alta Vista.

How many housing units are there in Alta Vista?

There are 106 housing units in Alta Vista, reflecting a +7.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Alta Vista and what is the average household size?

Alta Vista has a total of 100 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alta Vista?

Alta Vista has a median household income of $44,500, representing a -17.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Alta Vista?

The employment rate is 99.2% in Alta Vista, with a workforce of 131 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56.5% (74 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43.5% (57 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.6% (23 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.7% (90 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.3% (7 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (11 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025